Remaining in the Light
by Malcolm Wood
Over the last few weeks we have been enjoying an exceptionally good spring in the UK. As we have witnessed new life returning to that which has seemed so dead and lifeless for months on end we have had good reason to acknowledge God’s faithfulness. Once again we have seen the effect that the warm sun has on the shoots, leaves and buds as the trees, hedges, shrubs, daffodils and other spring flowers open up in all their abundance to give glory to their Creator.
Many lessons can be learnt from creation if we can just take the time in our busy lives to stop and look. A few days ago, as I looked at a mass of golden daffodils just gently swaying in the breeze, I was reminded of a poster that we had at home some years ago. It had a picture of a single flower and a caption which read. ‘Bloom where you are planted’. The daffodils were doing what they were created to do. That’s all God requires of us, isn’t it? He’s put within us all that’s needed for us to be what He designed us to be. When we commit our lives to Him and ask Him to direct our lives we have to believe that He puts us where He wants us to be (of course that’s assuming we’re obedient). It’s not always easy for us. In some places, earlier this spring, daffodils were surrounded by snow, and yet they survived. I see this as a picture of God upholding us through all the difficulties as we’re obedient to His will.
Just as plants respond to the warmth of the sun, we’ve been designed to respond to the warmth of God’s love. His desire is that we open up to Him and by our lives give glory to Him, where He’s placed us. It is quite noticeable how the spring flowers flourish and are more abundant whenever there’s more sunlight. So there’s a challenge for us to remain in ‘the light’ so we may flourish, blossom and then bear fruit for the One who is ‘pouring His grace on our lives day by day’.
‘As we gaze on Your kingly brightness, So our faces display Your likeness, Ever changing from glory to glory, Mirrored here may our lives tell Your story, Shine on me, shine on me’. (Graham Kendrick)
Prayer: Dear Lord, Help me to remain in the light and warmth of Your covering love, and to blossom and bear fruit for You wherever You place me. Amen.
Malcolm Wood and his wife Anna became part of the Ellel family as House Managers at Ellel Grange in 1990. Since then they have been involved with many aspects of the developing Ministry. From 2001 until 2015 they were Directors of Ellel Scotland where they hosted several International Schools and Operation Blairmore and helped pioneer the exciting Creative Inspiration Weeks. They have three sons.
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